Sewing Machine Oil

If you sew, you likely own a sewing machine.  In particular, if you own a vintage mechanical machine that needs to be oiled on a regular basis, at some point you've probably wondered what type of oil to buy.

I often see vintage sewing machine oil bottles still partially filled with an amber-colored oil that looks like an old cologne.

Collecting machines, I also see evidence of this old-style oil all over the insides (and sometimes the outsides) of these machines.  Unfortunately, this evidence can sometimes translate to how the machine operates.  The problem is that this type of oil contains solids and when this oil dries (as oil will), these solids harden and form a varnish, often sticking together the very parts the oil was originally intended to keep lubricated.  It can be quite a job unsticking and cleaning up this mess particularly if it has been allowed to completely dry out.

I recommend a clear, thin machine oil that is typically used in household electronics such as sewing machines (and electric razors, etc.).  It's formulated to evaporate quickly so it needs to be applied fairly often but the upside is that it lubricates beautifully without being sticky, is colorless so it doesn't stain like the darker oils do, and it doesn't harden into a varnish.  You'll find it labeled with names such as White Diamond or Lily White or some such and it's readily available online and in stores.  I recently purchased a quart for about $17.  It's cheaper if you buy larger quantities but there's only so much I can use and applying it only to the machines I'm actually using, this should last for years.

Oil all the parts of your machine where your manual indicates, basically every 'joint' where metal meets metal.  (You'll often see holes or ports where oil is intended to be placed for proper lubrication.)  Move the hand wheel slowly and test all the moving parts of your machine, putting 2-3 drops at every spot.  Don't overdo it.

Oil also is a good machine cleanser.  Put several drops onto a clean toothbrush (without toothpaste residue -- a new brush is best) and brush the insides of your machine gently, especially where there is dirt, old oil and grease, and lint.  Wipe clean with a paper towel and cotton swabs.

From an old Singer 99 manual:

Neglecting to oil the machine will shorten its life and cause you trouble and annoyance.

Indeed.